Despite the funny name, pig shots are a delicious appetizer option that’s perfect for cookouts, BBQs, tailgates, and more! They feature kielbasa sausage slices topped with creamy cheese, a kick of jalapeno, and all wrapped in bacon. The air fryer delivers great browning, with no grill needed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The ultimate party appetizer. They’re always one of the first snacks to disappear at game days, cookouts, and holiday gatherings!
- Big flavor in every bite. Smoky sausage, crispy bacon, and a creamy, cheesy filling make an irresistible combination
- Perfect for the air fryer. The bacon crisps up beautifully while the filling stays warm and creamy
- Easy to make ahead. Assemble them in advance and cook just before serving
- Highly customizable. Switch up the cheese, seasonings, or add a little heat with jalapeños or hot sauce!
- Perfect finger food. No forks or knives required, making them ideal for parties and tailgates
- Great for feeding a crowd. They’re easy to make in batches for entertaining
- Loaded with smoky, savory flavor. Every bite is packed with rich, satisfying goodness!
- Guaranteed to impress. They’re fun to serve, look impressive, and are always a conversation starter at parties. If you love these pig shots, make sure to check out my Air Fryer Shotgun Shells too for a similar savory app!
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Ingredients List
- 8 ounces kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½” thick medallions
- 16 ounces thick cut bacon
- 5.3 ounce block herb and garlic boursin cheese (or an 8-ounce block cream cheese, softened)
- 1 fresh jalapeno, seeded and diced (plus additional for topping if desired)
- 1 Tbsp of your favorite BBQ rub or Cajun seasoning
- 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Hot honey (optional drizzle)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Instead of kielbasa you can use any similar smoked sausage you like!
- I prefer thick cut bacon as it stays up better for this recipe, but you can use regular thin-cut bacon too (just expect it to be a little floppier to wrap)
- My household doesn’t like cream cheese, so I opt for Boursin instead (and it adds a lot of flavor)! You can also use a blend of cream cheese and sour cream if you like
- Adjust the jalapeno to your personal spice preferences (use more or less as desired). You can also substitute a 4-ounce can of diced green chiles if preferred
- Use your favorite BBQ rub or Cajun seasoning for more spice. If you want to add 1 tsp of honey or brown sugar to add some sweetness, feel free
- Cheddar is great, but you can substitute pepper jack, Colby jack, or similar if preferred
Step By Step Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the Boursin, shredded cheese, jalapeno (or diced chiles), and BBQ rub and mix well to combine. If you’re using cream cheese, make sure to let it soften first to make this easier
- Place a slice of kielbasa on a flat work surface. Cut a slice of bacon in half (widthwise) and then wrap bacon (a half slice each) around the kielbasa slice, securing with a toothpick. This should form a bowl shape (or perhaps more like a shot glass, given the name)! Repeat until all kielbasa pieces are wrapped in bacon strips
- Fill each bacon bowl with the cheese mixture (I use my fingers, but a spoon is fine too, or a piping bag works well with softer cream cheese filling), leaving about ¼” open at the top. The bacon will constrict and push the filling up as it cooks; you’ll have some overflow anyway, but this gives it a little extra space at least
- Place the filled pig shots into your air fryer in a single layer, allowing air space between each one
- Cook on the air fry setting at 375°F for 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crisped to your liking
- Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle with hot honey or top with a fresh slice of jalapeno if desired (optional) and enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Pig shots are smoky, cheesy, savory, and hearty, making them perfect for game days, backyard barbecues, and holiday parties. Pair them with fresh sides, classic appetizers, and refreshing drinks to round out the spread. Here are some of my favorites!
Dipping Sauces
- Ranch dressing: A cool, creamy classic
- Barbecue sauce: Sweet and smoky flavors complement the bacon
- Honey mustard: Tangy with just the right amount of sweetness
- Buffalo sauce: Adds a spicy kick
- Chipotle aioli: Smoky, creamy, and full of flavor!
Party Appetizers
- Jalapeño poppers: Another crowd favorite with plenty of cheesy goodness. Double down with my Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers!
- Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Dip: Perfect for scooping with chips or crackers
- Loaded Potato Skins: A hearty appetizer that fits the theme
- Deviled Eggs: A lighter bite to balance the richness
- Soft pretzel bites: Delicious with cheese sauce or mustard!
Fresh Sides
- Coleslaw: Crunchy and tangy to cut through the richness
- Vegetable platter with ranch dip: Fresh, crisp vegetables provide balance
- Cucumber salad: Cool and refreshing
- Pickles: Their acidity pairs perfectly with smoky bacon
- Fresh fruit tray: Grapes, strawberries, and melon add a refreshing contrast
Main Course
- Smash burgers: Perfect for a backyard cookout!
- Pulled pork sandwiches: A barbecue lover’s dream meal
- Smoked ribs: Smoky flavors complement the pig shots beautifully
- Bratwurst or kielbasa: Great additions to a party spread. Try my Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brats!
- Mac and cheese: Creamy comfort food alongside a savory appetizer
Drink Pairings
- Amber lager: Malty and smooth with smoky flavors.
- Pilsner: Crisp enough to balance the richness.
- Moscow Mule: Ginger and lime provide a refreshing contrast. Try my Watermelon Moscow Mule for summer cookouts in particular!
- Whiskey Sour: Bright citrus pairs well with bacon and sausage
- Sparkling lemonade: A refreshing non-alcoholic option
Best Occasions
Pig shots are made for game days, tailgates, holiday parties, backyard barbecues, potlucks, and any gathering where you want a bite-sized appetizer that’s guaranteed to disappear fast. They’re hearty enough to anchor an appetizer spread but easy enough to enjoy while mingling!
Recipe FAQs
What Exactly Are Pig Shots?
Pig shots are bite-sized appetizers made by wrapping bacon around slices of smoked sausage to create a small cup, then filling it with a seasoned cream cheese mixture before cooking. They’re a popular choice for game days, barbecues, and parties thanks to their smoky, cheesy flavor.
What Kind Of Sausage Is Best For Pig Shots?
Smoked sausage is the classic choice because it’s fully cooked, flavorful, and holds its shape well. Kielbasa, andouille, or your favorite smoked sausage all work great, depending on how mild or spicy you like your appetizers.
Can I Smoke Pig Shots Instead?
Absolutely! Smoked pig shots are the traditional cooking method, and they develop even more smoky flavor that way. Use pecan or hickory in your smoker at a low temp (around 350°F) until the bacon is crisp and the filling is hot and bubbly (usually 45-60 minutes), then serve warm.
Tips For the Best Pig Shots
- You can also use a mini muffin tin (if it fits in your air fryer) instead of the toothpicks to hold the bacon in place
- I do not recommend adding jalapeno slices to the top of the bacon wrapped shot before cooking. The air fryer tends to blow them around, burn them, or they just fall off as the filling expands. Add them as a garnish afterwards if desired instead!
Storage and Reheating
Storage Tips
- Let the pig shots cool completely before storing
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- Keep in a single layer if possible, or separate layers with parchment paper if you need to stack them
- Freeze for longer storage in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
Reheating Tips
- Air fryer (best method): Reheat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the filling is hot
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes on a baking sheet
- Microwave: Heat in 20-30 second intervals if you’re in a hurry, but the bacon won’t be crisp
- Serve immediately after reheating for the best texture
Make Ahead Tip
If you’re making pig shots for a party, assemble them a day ahead and refrigerate them (covered) uncooked. Then simply air fry them just before serving for the freshest flavor and crispiest bacon!
- Kielbasa and Pasta
- Kielbasa and Rice
Final Thoughts
These fun pig shots are a delicious, savory BBQ treat made even easier in your air fryer! Smoky bacon meets savory sausage and a creamy cheese filling with a little kick of jalapeno that delivers a burst of flavor in a one-bite appetizer.
I love to serve them for cookouts, tailgates, and backyard barbecues in the summer, but they’re equally good for game day or just anytime you’re entertaining. I recommend wrapping and filling them in advance, and then it’s just a quick cook before they’re ready to serve.
Katie’s tip
Looking for more savory bites? Make sure to check out all of my Air Fryer Kielbasa Recipes for more inspiration and smoky sausage dishes.
Air Fryer Pig Shots
Servings: 20
Pig shots are a fun, savory, BBQ-style appetizer made easily in your air fryer! Kielbasa is wrapped in bacon, stuffed with cheese, and cooked to perfection for a delicious bite.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces kielbasa sausage (sliced into ½” thick medallions)
- 16 ounces thick cut bacon
- 5.3 ounce block herb and garlic Boursin cheese (or an 8-ounce block cream cheese, softened)
- 1 fresh jalapeno pepper (seeded and diced, plus additional for topping if desired)
- 1 Tbsp your favorite BBQ rub or Cajun seasoning
- 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Hot honey (optional drizzle)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the Boursin, shredded cheese, jalapeno (or diced chiles), and BBQ rub and mix well to combine5.3 ounce block herb and garlic Boursin cheese, 1 fresh jalapeno pepper, 1 Tbsp your favorite BBQ rub or Cajun seasoning, 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Place a slice of kielbasa on a flat work surface. Cut a slice of bacon in half (widthwise) and then wrap a half slice of bacon around the kielbasa slice, securing with a toothpick. This should form a bowl shape. Repeat until all kielbasa pieces are wrapped8 ounces kielbasa sausage, 16 ounces thick cut bacon
- Fill each bacon bowl with the cheese mixture (I use my fingers, but a spoon is fine too), leaving about ¼” open at the top. The bacon will constrict and push the filling up as it cooks; you’ll have some overflow anyway, but this gives it a little extra space
- Place the filled pig shots into your air fryer in a single layer, allowing air space between each one. Cook on the air fry setting at 375°F for 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crisped to your liking
- Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle with hot honey or top with a fresh slice of jalapeno if desired (optional) and enjoy!Hot honey
Notes
- Instead of kielbasa you can use any similar smoked sausage you like!
- I prefer thick cut bacon as it stays up better for this recipe, but you can use regular (just expect it to be a little floppier to wrap)
- My household doesn’t like cream cheese, so I opt for Boursin instead (and it adds a lot of flavor)! You can also use a blend of cream cheese and sour cream if you like
- Adjust the jalapeno to your personal spice preferences (use more or less as desired). You can also substitute a 4-ounce can of diced green chiles if preferred
- Use your favorite BBQ rub or Cajun seasoning for more spice. If you want to add 1 tsp of honey or brown sugar to add some sweetness, feel free
- Cheddar is great, but you can substitute pepper jack, Colby jack, or similar if preferred
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or toppings added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
Serving: 48g | Calories: 189kcal | Carbohydrates: 1.4g | Protein: 9.2g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6.9g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 641mg | Potassium: 26mg | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 4.3IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 0.2mg
